A devastating flash flood in Uttarakhand’s Kheer Ganga river on August 5, 2025, has buried the ancient Kalp Kedar temple in Dharali village, Uttarkashi, under layers of debris, reviving memories of its historical submersion.

The temple, a sacred Shiva shrine built in the Kature style with architectural parallels to the revered Kedarnath Dham, was previously buried for centuries, possibly due to an earlier disaster, with only its dome visible above ground until its rediscovery in 1945. Excavations revealed a subterranean structure where devotees descended to worship, with intricate stone carvings adorning the exterior and a unique ‘shivling’ shaped like Nandi’s back, mirroring Kedarnath’s design.

Local lore describes how Kheer Ganga’s waters once flowed gently onto the shivling, with a path carved for this sacred interaction. The recent cloudburst-driven flood, which also destroyed homes and infrastructure in Dharali, has once again submerged this spiritual landmark, raising concerns about its preservation.

Rescue operations continue as authorities assess the damage to this historic site, a vital part of the region’s cultural and religious heritage.

Also Read: Uttarkashi Cloudburst: Homes Swept Away in Flash Floods